Name: Sweet Potato Fries in Air Fryer Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 14 min
Total time: 24 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick fries; 1 ½ tablespoons olive oil; ½ teaspoon flaky sea salt; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon paprika; ½ teaspoon chili powder; Fresh cilantro, chopped (for topping); Creamy Chipotle Sauce; Lemon Basil Aioli

Jump to Recipe

If you’ve been searching for a snack that’s crispy, flavorful, and downright addictive, look no further than these Sweet Potato Fries in Air Fryer. They offer a perfect balance of natural sweetness from the potatoes and a savory kick from spices, all cooked to golden perfection without drowning in oil. The air fryer turns humble sweet potatoes into crisp fries with a tender center, making this dish an absolute favorite for a quick treat or side. Trust me, once you try these fries, you’ll wonder how you ever made them any other way!

Sweet Potato Fries in Air Fryer Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are kitchen staples, yet each one plays a vital role in creating fries that are both crunchy and bursting with flavor. The combination of spices brings depth, while the olive oil helps with crispiness and color.

2 medium sweet potatoes: Choose firm potatoes and slice them uniformly for even cooking and crispiness.
1 ½ tablespoons olive oil: Adds just enough fat to crisp the fries and carry the seasoning flavor.
½ teaspoon flaky sea salt: Enhances the natural sweetness and balances all the spices.
½ teaspoon garlic powder: Provides a mild, savory undertone that pairs beautifully with sweet potatoes.
½ teaspoon paprika: Adds a gentle smoky flavor and rich color to the fries.
½ teaspoon chili powder: Gives a subtle heat that makes these fries extra exciting to eat.

How to Make Sweet Potato Fries in Air Fryer

Step 1: Prep the Sweet Potatoes

Start by peeling your sweet potatoes and cutting them into ¼ to ½ inch fries. Ensuring an even size is crucial—it guarantees your fries cook evenly and achieve that perfect crisp edge while staying soft inside.

Step 2: Mix the Spices

In a small bowl, combine flaky sea salt, garlic powder, paprika, and chili powder. Mixing them well here helps distribute those vibrant flavors evenly across every fry, making each bite consistent and delicious.

Step 3: Toss Potatoes with Oil and Seasoning

Add your cut sweet potatoes to a large bowl, drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle your spice blend over them. Toss gently but thoroughly so every fry is coated with oil and spices—this step sets the stage for maximum flavor and texture.

Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer

Before cooking, give your air fryer a quick 5-minute warm-up at 400°F. Preheating ensures the fries start crisping immediately, which really helps lock in that satisfying crunch.

Step 5: Cook the Fries

Transfer your seasoned sweet potato fries to the air fryer basket in a single layer for even cooking. Set the temperature to 400°F and cook for 12 to 14 minutes, shaking or tossing halfway through. Keep an eye on them toward the end—they should be golden brown and crispy all over.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Once cooked, transfer to a platter and consider topping with fresh cilantro or your favorite herbs. These garnishes add a burst of color and freshness that elevates the dish.

How to Serve Sweet Potato Fries in Air Fryer

Garnishes

Adding fresh herbs like cilantro, parsley, or chives not only boosts visual appeal but also adds a bright note to balance the smoky spices. A light sprinkle of flaky sea salt right before serving enhances the texture and flavor even more.

Side Dishes

These fries pair beautifully with dipping sauces like creamy chipotle sauce, lemon basil aioli, or even a tangy ketchup. They also complement grilled burgers, roasted chicken, or a fresh crisp salad, making them incredibly versatile for any meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve your Sweet Potato Fries in Air Fryer as a loaded snack topped with melted cheese, diced jalapeños, and a drizzle of sour cream or guacamole. Alternatively, use them as a crunchy base for sweet potato fry sandwiches with spicy mayo and slaw!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Note that the fries will lose some crispness, but they remain delicious and easy to reheat.

Freezing

You can freeze pre-cooked sweet potato fries by spreading them on a baking sheet and flash freezing before transferring to a freezer bag. Frozen fries store well for up to 2 months and can be reheated directly in the air fryer for best texture.

Reheating

To revive your leftover Sweet Potato Fries in Air Fryer, reheat them at 375°F for 5 to 7 minutes. This method crisps them back up beautifully without drying them out, delivering that fresh-from-the-fryer crunch every time.

FAQs

Can I use frozen sweet potato fries in the air fryer?

Absolutely! Frozen sweet potato fries work great in an air fryer. Just follow the package instructions or cook at 400°F for 15–20 minutes, shaking occasionally for even crisping.

What if my fries aren’t crispy enough?

Try cutting the fries a bit thinner and avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Also, tossing them halfway through helps expose all sides to hot air for maximum crispiness.

Is it necessary to peel the sweet potatoes?

Peeling is optional. Leaving the skin on adds extra nutrients and texture, but peeling can yield a smoother, more uniform crisp fry depending on your preference.

Can I make these fries spicy?

Definitely! Increase the chili powder or add cayenne pepper to the spice mix. For a smoky heat, try smoked paprika or a pinch of chipotle powder.

What dipping sauces go best with Sweet Potato Fries in Air Fryer?

Try creamy chipotle sauce, garlic aioli, honey mustard, or even a simple ranch dressing. The natural sweetness of the fries pairs beautifully with both spicy and tangy dips.

Final Thoughts

These Sweet Potato Fries in Air Fryer quickly become a go-to snack or side dish because they combine ease, flavor, and healthier cooking techniques all in one. Once you taste how crispy and delicious they get without drowning in oil, you’ll want to make them again and again. Give this recipe a try and watch your kitchen fill with irresistible aromas and smiles!

Sweet Potato Fries in Air Fryer Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 19 reviews

Author: Ethan
Total Time: 24 minutes
Yield: 3–4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Crispy and flavorful Sweet Potato Fries made easily in the air fryer, seasoned with a blend of garlic, paprika, chili powder, and flaky sea salt for the perfect snack or side dish.

Ingredients

Scale

Sweet Potato Fries

2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick fries
1 ½ tablespoons olive oil
½ teaspoon flaky sea salt
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon chili powder

Optional Garnish

Fresh cilantro, chopped (for topping)

Suggested Dips

Creamy Chipotle Sauce
Lemon Basil Aioli

Instructions

Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: Peel the sweet potatoes, then slice them into uniform fries about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick to ensure even cooking.
Mix Seasonings: In a small bowl, combine flaky sea salt, garlic powder, paprika, and chili powder, mixing well to create a seasoning blend.
Season the Fries: Place the cut sweet potatoes in a large mixing bowl, drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle the seasoning mixture over them. Toss thoroughly to coat each fry evenly.
Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (204°C) for 5 minutes while you finish prepping the fries.
Cook the Fries: Transfer the seasoned fries to the air fryer basket in a single layer if possible. Cook at 400°F for 12-14 minutes, shaking or tossing the fries halfway through the cooking time to ensure even crispiness.
Serve: Remove fries when they turn golden brown and crisp on the edges. Transfer to a serving platter, garnish with chopped fresh cilantro, and serve immediately alongside your choice of creamy chipotle sauce or lemon basil aioli for dipping.

Notes

Cut fries to uniform size to ensure even cooking and consistent crispiness.
Cooking times may vary depending on the brand and model of your air fryer, so keep an eye on fries towards the end.
For extra crispiness, consider soaking the cut sweet potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes before drying and seasoning to remove excess starch.
Feel free to adjust spices to taste, adding more chili powder for heat or smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
This recipe is best eaten fresh for maximum crispiness but can be reheated in the air fryer for a few minutes.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 14 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Air Frying
Cuisine: American